Tag: transport

Michael has said that he is ‘underwhelmed’ by the proposed Southeastern timetable effective May 2018.

The comment was included in Michael’s response to the Southeastern May 2018 Timetable Consultation, which sets out proposed changes to the timetable operated by Southeastern. The consultation is one of a series of rail consultations that have been live over the summer period.

Among the proposed changes are plans to reduce the number of London destinations at peak times in order to ensure a simpler and more reliable service. Whilst Michael supports the plan in principle, he warns that the redistribution of trains between Charing Cross, Blackfriars and Cannon Street must not come at the cost of lengthened journey times for passengers wishing to go to their original destination.

Michael said: ‘There are no major changes and the level of service will be broadly what it is today at a stage when a major rethink is required. My constituents require faster, more regular and reliable train services. Overall, I’m underwhelmed by Southeastern’s new proposals.’

Michael has signed a joint letter addressed to the Rail Minister, calling for a ‘major rethink’ of how rail services in London and the South East are operated.

‘Passengers are dissatisfied’, the letter reads, ‘[w]ith insufficient room to stand at times and with some season tickets at more than £6,000, they feel they are not getting value for money. […] It comes as very little surprise that very few customers have confidence in the operator being able to deliver the improvements that are needed.’

Sevenoaks and Swanley feature prominently in the letter, which is signed by 12 Kent MPs. In particular, the MPs support Michael’s campaigns for the rollout of smarter Oyster-style ticketing systems at all stations in the constituency and for Delay Repay 15 to be introduced before 2018.

The joint letter follows the personal recommendations Michael made to the Secretary of State for Transport back in March, in which he called for the new South Eastern franchise to ‘put passengers first’.

Michael said: ‘Signing a joint letter demonstrates the huge number of people affected by poor rail services. Two Cabinet Ministers have signed this letter, including myself. Getting a better deal for rail passengers is a top priority for me locally, and I will ensure it remains a top priority for this Government.’

Michael has personally handed his recommendations for the new South Eastern rail franchise to the Transport Secretary Chris Grayling MP.

His letter, which was written in conjunction with his official response to the public consultation and can be accessed here, argues for a ‘railway system that works for everyone’.

In the nine-page letter, Michael argues: ‘For too long, services on the South Eastern rail network have been unacceptably poor […] Improved capacity, customer service, and payment systems are all welcome steps, but I believe the new arrangements need to go further. Our railways need to start putting passengers first’.

Michael calls for improved capacity, improved compensation arrangements, and improved connectivity on South Eastern trains, and outlines numerous arguments for the extension of the Oyster network to Sevenoaks.

Michael said: ‘I have responded to the public consultation to make the case for passengers in Sevenoaks and Swanley. Discussions on the new rail franchise provide a great opportunity to push for better services on our railways and a better deal for passengers: more space, improved compensation arrangements, and the extension of the Oyster network. I encourage constituents to visit the public consultation site and make sure their views are heard before the consultation closes on 23 May’.

Michael has welcomed the Department of Transport’s recent announcement regarding the new Lower Thames Crossing.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling announced that the Government’s preferred route for a new Lower Thames Crossing is east of Gravesend and Tilbury. The development could create more than 6,000 jobs and boost the economy by over £8 billion.

The Transport Secretary also committed to investing £10 million to improve traffic flow at the existing Dartford crossing. Highways England estimates that the Lower Thames Crossing will cost up to £6.2 billion to develop.

Michael said: ‘Increasing capacity across the Thames will unlock huge economic potential. The proposals strike a balance between minimising the impacts on local communities and ensuring value for taxpayers’ money. There is now greater potential for investment opportunities, for new housing, and for businesses to grow, which will create even more employment opportunities in the region. This is a stamp of confidence for Kent, but I will continue to make representations on behalf of my constituents as the development progresses.’

Michael has welcomed a new consultation on proposals for a new crossing of the Thames.

The Lower Thames Crossing would relieve congestion in the area, reduce air pollution levels and produce significant economic benefits for the region. The scheme, which could be completed by 2027 at the latest, would lead to the creation of 5,000 jobs and boost the economy by £7 billion.

Michael said: “A new Thames crossing would be a vital addition to Kent’s transport infrastructure. The number of complaints I receive about the Dartford Crossing shows that, despite recent changes, a long-term solution is needed. I encourage anyone concerned to participate in this consultation.”